Star Weekly - Hobsons Bay Maribyrnong - 18th February 2026

All revved up for car show

For the 18th time, the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed Car and Bike Show will take place on Sunday 22 February at Apex Park in Altona.

And as with the previous 17 versions, the 2026 event will again have more than 300 cars and motorbikes on display.

But Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed president David Berner said this year’s show would feature a different type of vehicle too.

“We’re going to have a historic tramway bus there this year,” Mr Berner said, adding that members of the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed helped restore this particular tramway bus, one of dozens that were used to maintain services while Melbourne’s trams were converted from cable to electric in early 20th century.

“This would’ve been used in the 40’s and 50’s this bus,” he said.

A crowd of more than 900 people is expected to attend this year’s event which runs from 9am-2pm and features face-painting and a sausage sizzle as well as the assortment of vintage vehicles.

All surplus funds are donated to various local charities

Details: https://hobsonsbayms.com. au/

Club cost clarified

By Cade Lucas

HobsonsBaycouncilhasdeniedmisleading the public over how much money it has committedtotheproposedredevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Surf LifesavingClub(WSLSC).

In a letter published by Star Weekly last week, local resident and member of the Save Our Beach community group opposed to the redevelopment, Paul Austin, claimed council’s figures were rubbery.

“Its ‘your budget 24-25’ brochure says council is contributing $5.5 million,“ Mr Austinwrote.

“Butofficersnowsayit’s$3million.“

In a statement to Star Weekly, a council

spokesperson said the $5.5 million figure was the amount allocated to the project forthatparticularfinancialyear,including funds contributed by both council and the stategovernment.

“It does not mean council is spending $5.5 million of its own money on the project. Council’s contribution to the project is $3 million, while the Victorian Government contribution is $11.349 million,”thespokespersonsaid.

The spokesperson also denied other allegations made in the letter, including that council planned to keep heritage advice on the project and the amount of money it was prepared to pay to defend it at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal(VCAT),secret.

“Council’s internal heritage advice and any other internal expert advice will be available in the officer assessment of the proposal,” the spokesperson said, adding that the cost of defending the matter at VCAT couldn’t be estimated beforehand.

The spokesperson also said the redevelopment would be subject to the same heritage guidelines as any other property.

While all parties agree that WSLSC’s existing facility badly needs an upgrade, opponents such as Save Our Beach and Williamstown open water swimming coach Jason Bryce argue the proposal goes toofar.

“Thisredevelopmentiscreatingaprivate

socialbeachclubusingfundingearmarked forlifesaving,”MrBrycesaid.

WSLSC president Joel Godde said the redevelopment was necessary to ensure the club had a facility that was fit for purposeandfutureproofed.

“Ourcurrentfacilityisnotasportingclub, but an emergency management facility from which we deploy rescue services and is a vital hub for the community,” Mr Goddesaid.

“The proposed plans will ensure that our club finally meets the requirements of a modernlifesavingclub.“

Council endorsed concept designs for the redevelopment last year. It is now progressing through the design and planningpermitstage.

An adventurous role

By Cade Lucas

Williamstown’s Andy Griffiths is one of Australia’s popular children’s authors with his books such as the Treehouse series and the BUM trilogy selling more than 20 millioncopiesworldwide.

Givenhisobviousconnectionwithyoung readers, it’s no surprise that Griffiths has been chosen to represent them by being named the Australian Children’s Laureate for2026and2027.

Taking over from the outgoing Sally Rippen, and following in the footsteps of previous laureates such as Morris Gleitzman,JackieFrenchandLeighHobbs, Griffiths will act as a national ambassador for Australian children’s literature and reading.

Reacting to his appointment on Tuesday 10February,Griffithssaidhewashonoured tohavebeenchosenfortherole.

“My passion for connecting children to the power of books, reading and literacy has been the driving force for my work as a children’s author over the past three decades and the Laureateship is both an opportunitytoextendthatworkand,atthe same time, to be a proud representative and advocate for the vibrant community of equally passionate Australian children’s bookcreators,”hesaid.

Appointed every two years, each Children’s Laureate has a particular missionfortheirterm,withGriffith’sbeing: ‘ReadingisanAdventure’.

“Reading has always been an adventure tome,”hesaid.

“As a child, books were like portals to other worlds that I might never otherwise have visited—or even imagined. As Australian Children’s Laureate for 2026 and 2027, I’m looking forward to travelling to every state and territory to share some

of my favourite ways to have adventures with words, pictures and ideas in the hope that I can encourage as many young people as possible to experience the horizon-expanding and life-enhancing joys of reading, writing, drawing and imaginativeplay.”

Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation chairman Bruce Ellis said the organisation was thrilled to have Griffith takeontherole.

“Andy creates a world where reading is an adventure and we can’t wait to see what amazing adventures he has over the next twoyears,”Ellissaid.

Griffith’s laureate program will be launched on 24 February, the same day his latest book, LET’S GO is released through PanMacmillan.

Details:www.childrenslaureate.org.au

Jumpstarting young drivers

A new program will help young people from refugee backgrounds learn to drive.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne announced the launch of the L2P Refugee Pilot Program, which will assist young learner drivers involved in the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s RefugeeMinorsProgram.

Over the 12-month pilot, eligible learners will be matched with volunteermentorsfromKinetic–oneof Melbourne’smajortransportoperators – to help them build essential road knowledge and log the driving hours required to obtain their probationary licence.

“We’re delighted to support this new pilot as part of the TAC L2P program and assist in teaching young refugees about road safety and putting that knowledge into practice,” Ms Horne said. “The connections formed between mentors and learners is vital in building confidence, independence and engagement with the wider community.”

Building on the existing TAC L2P model, the pilot helps overcome key barriers faced by young refugees who may not have access to a car or a fully licensed driver to support their learning.

The program is focused on collaboration and community connection, benefiting learners while strengthening relationships between mentors and young people across Melbourne.

Kinetic managing director Matthew Campbellwelcomedthepartnership.

“At Kinetic, we believe in using our resources and people to make a real difference in the communities we serve,” he said. “This pilot is a natural extension of that commitmentconnectingourteammembersdirectly withyoungrefugeestohelpthembuild the skills and confidence they need to thriveindependentlyinAustralia.”

Details: transport.vic.gov. au/road-and-active-transport/ registration-and-licensing/licences/ learner-permit/tac-l2p-learner-drivermentor-program

Calls for new specialist development schools in the west

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Families, educators and disability advocates across Melbourne’s west are calling on the state government to commit to building a new special development school(SDS),warningtheregionisfacinga criticalshortageofspecialistschoolplaces.

Community leaders say existing schools are operating at or beyond their capacity, leaving many students with disabilities without access to appropriate, local and inclusiveeducation.

Advocacy group Equality for Autism is currently calling for 10,000 signatures to secureanewspecialdevelopmentalschool forMelbourne’swest.

“Every child deserves access to a safe, supportive, and well-resourced learning environment,” Equality for Autism chairpersonandco-founderJeffO’Donnell said.

“Rightnow,familiesinMelbourne’swest are being left behind. The lack of specialist school infrastructure is forcing students to travel long distances or miss out on the tailoredsupporttheyneedtothrive.”

According to advocates, Sunshine’s SpecialDevelopmentSchoolhasacapacity

of200,whileYarraville’sSDShasacapacity of85students

A new specialist school in Aintree was also opened by the state government in 2024.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said he supported the calls for new specialist schools.

“I am a strong advocate for a special development school in the west,” Mr McGhiesaid.

“I have advocated for one in Melton

and I am sure it is being considered by government.”

Community representatives said the limited capacity is particularly concerning givenrisingdiagnosesofseveretoprofound disabilitiesamongchildrenintheregion.

Special development schools provide tailored programs for students with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and complex needs. They offer specialised teaching, allied health support and purpose-built facilities designed to

helpstudentsreachtheirfullpotential.

The campaign is calling on the state government to commit funding for a new SDS in Melbourne’s west, while also engaging with families and educators during the planning process in a bid to ensure the school is appropriately resourced to meet current and future demand.

Mr O’Donnell said the push was not politicallymotivated.

“We are not attacking the Victorian state government as this issue should be a bipartisan issue with everyone supporting thisgoal,”hesaid.

“Building a new special development school is not just an investment in infrastructure. It’s an investment in inclusion, equity, and the future of our community.”

A state government spokesperson said specialist schools across the west are benefitingfromupgrades.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said she supportstheEqualityforAutismgroup. Petition: https://www.parliament. vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/ new-special-developmental-school-formelbournes-west

Redevelopment a while off

By Cade Lucas

With the new Footscray Hospital is finally set to open this week, local residents are being warned to not expect any redevelopment of the old hospital any time soon.

The future of the six hectare Gordon Street site has been speculated about since its $1.5 billion replacement was announced, with schools, parks and housing among the options that have been canvassed during community consultation.

But as the opening of the new hospital has neared, local residents have accused the state government keeping them in dark about the future of the old one.

“There’s been no public update on the process and no further consultation since the government’s initial online survey in 2024,” Kate Breen from the Reimainging the Old Footscray Hospital community group said.

But Footscray MP Katie Hall said there was a good reason why no announcements about the future of the old hospital had been made.

“It still has to function as Western Health facility for the coming months because they have to decamp from the facility and remove all the furniture. It’s quite an extensive process,” Ms Hall said, adding she’d recently met with Reimainging

the Old Footscray Hospital group to allay their concerns.

Even once vacated, Ms Hall said the nature of the site meant it would be a long time before it’s repurposed

“The car park’s an old quarry,” she said.

“There is an extensive environmental audit and remediation process that needs to take place due to asbestos.

“You can’t put in temporary parks while they’re removing asbestos and remediating the site.”

Ms Hall said demolition works should be complete by mid-2027 and that she was hoping to establish a community reference group to work with Development

was shot last year. The film is a finalist at this year’s Tropfest short film festival. (Damjan Janevski) 534275_01

Meet Maribyrnong’s film festival finalist

Maribyrnong filmmaker Stephen Packer is one of 15 finalists at Tropfest, the world’s largest short film festival, which returns for the first time since 2019 this weekend in Sydney.

Packer’s six-minute short film, ‘Unprompted’ will be screened before thousands at Centennial Park on Sunday 22 February as well as being streamed live around the world on YouTube.

First prize is $50,000 while second and third get $30,000 and $20,000 respectively, but Packer said just being a finalist in Tropfest at his first time of entering was a

Transport strategy is

Hobsons Bay residents can have their say on the municipality’s transport future, with engagement open for council’s Integrated Transport Strategy 2026-36.

With Hobsons Bay’s population projected to grow to 105,000 by 2036, the transport strategy is considered vital for dealing with challenges such as congestion, infrastructure, services gaps, cycling safety and limited public transport options.

success in itself.

“Oh man I’m over the moon,” Packer said.

“It feels like the eyes of the Australian filmmaking community will be on Tropfest.”

Which is all rather ironic given Unprompted is based on a struggling screenwriter, though while Packer said he could relate to his film’s main character, there were some big differences.

“My film is about a struggling screen writer who when he hits a brick wall creatively he turns to AI to help him write his

horror film only to find that he writes him in as a victim,” he said of Unprompted which was shot entirely in his study over two nights in December last year.

Along with the struggling filmmaker part, Packer said he also had a close affinity with the film’s other main theme: AI.

“I moved to Silicon Valley as a small child because my dad worked in software engineering and that’s the heart of the AI revolution and something that affected his work as well.”

Details: https://www.tropfest.com/finalist

on the move, residents can have their say

The strategy will also look ahead to developments such as electric vehicles, charging stations, and other new technologies.

Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the transport strategy was related to all types of movement, not just vehicle use of public transport.

“From walks to the shops and school trips to weekend rides, public transport and driving, we know people have such a varied range of how they get around Hobsons Bay,” Cr Grima said.

Community members can share their voice online or attend a series of workshops next month, including on 3 March at Laverton Community Hub, 5 March at

Victoria in the meantime.

Maribyrnong council also owns part of the site and mayor Mohamed Semra said council had already made clear what it would like to see the site become.

“This would ideally include green spaces, affordable housing, essential community services, and respectful heritage reuse of old hospital facilities,” Cr Semra said.

“We are also advocating for the restoration of the heritage-listed but derelict brutalist Psychiatric building so it can be used as a multi-purpose facility, and for the retainment and expansion of the Brenbeal Children’s Centre.”

Police briefs

Sunshine man charged

A 25-year old Sunshine man was arrested following an incident in St Albans on 11 February. Officers were called to a business on Furlong Road about 12.15am after reports a man had broken into the property. Staff, who were still on site, secured themselves in a storeroom and had contacted police. Police were quickly on scene and arrested the Sunshine man. He was taken to hospital for treatment to existing injuries. The man has since been charged with criminal damage and trespass and was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 25 February.

Deanside rollover

Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the circumstances surrounding a collision in Deanside on 10 February. Emergency services were called to the Western Freeway, inbound near Hopkins Road, following reports a truck and ute had collided about 4.15am. The truck rolled as a result of the collision, with a section of the freeway remaining closed throughout the day. The driver of the truck, a 63-year-old Beaufort man, was taken to hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. The driver of the ute, a 29-year-old Truganina man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Chainsaw attack

Newport Community Hub and 15 March at Williamstown Library. Community pop-up sessions will also be held on 20 February at Grazeland in Spotswood, 24 February at Altona Beach Market, 1 March at Altona Meadows Regional Farmers Market and 8 March at Williamstown Regional Farmer Market.

The first round of community consultation will end on 15 March, with a draft strategy expected to be presented for community feedback in July 2026.

Details: https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/

Police have charged a man following an alleged criminal damage incident in Point Cook on 12 February. Officers responded to reports of a 43-year-old man allegedly damaging the front door of a property on Hyde Park Terrace about 1.15pm. Footage posted to social media shows a man striking the security door with an axe, a machete and then cutting through it with a chainsaw. A resident of the property, a 35-year-old man, was inside the house but was not injured. Police will allege the 43-year-old then left the scene and damaged a number of vehicles parked nearby on Friar Park Place. The man from Point Cook has since been charged with two counts of causing criminal damage, two counts of assault with weapon and two counts of unlawful assault. He was bailed to appear before Wyndham Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.

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Houses rally for funding

By Cade Lucas

Neighbourhood houses and community centres from across Hobsons Bay joined forces on Friday morning to demand increased funding for the sector.

The rally was organised by Newport Community Education Centre and held outside its Mason Street premises on 13 February as part of the statewide Keep Our Doors Open campaign calling on the state government to provide an extra $11.7 million per year for neighbourhood houses across Victoria.

Representatives from the Walker Close Community Centre, Louis Joel Arts and Community and Hobsons Bay Commu-

nity Services were present at the rally, as was Williamstown MP Melissa Horne.

Newport Community Education Centre chief executive Therese McKenney said the campaign was not just calling for increased in funding for existing neighbourhood houses, but for it to be extended to those that currently go without.

“Notallneighbourhoodhousesreceive funding which is much needed to build stronger communities and our communities to be sustainable,” Ms McKenny said.

“Neighbourhood houses are the community resource, information, referral, support, education, connector to the community – your community friend.”

The campaign will come to a head this

week with a statewide day of action on 18 February where neighbourhood house staffers will rally on the steps of state parliament and deliver signed postcards to Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence.

Ms Spence’s office was contacted for comment.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria chief executive Keir Paterson said without the funding increase, half of the state’s 400 neighbourhood houses would be at risk of closure.

“Neighbourhood houses are under unprecedented pressure,” Mr Paterson said.

“Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forc-

Results may vary but laughs guaranteed

Veterans of Australian comedy and old mates, Ross Daniels and Geoff Paine, are returning to this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a show on a topic they know well: ageing.

Ageing: Results May Vary, which runs from 25 March to 4 April at Bard’s Apothecary in North Melbourne, will be the latest festival collaboration for the pair who have morethan80yearsworthoflivecomedyexperience between them.

As West Footscray based Daniels explained, those decades of experience provided a pretty straightforward inspiration

for the show.

“We’re both around the same age (early 60s) and Geoff and I couldn’t help but be amused by what was happening to us and the world around us,” Daniels said of the showwhichtraversesromancescams,techno-flubs, memory lapses and much more.

“Popular culture both nostalgic and contemporary, gets a good lampooning. And there’s even a guest appearance by Grim Reaper!”

But having worked in the entertainment industry for more than 35 years, including as a stand-up comedian and actor on the

stage and screen, Daniels understands the need to attract as broad an audience as possible, describing the show as a “lowtech seminar for seminar for both old and annoyingly young.”

“This definitely isn’t just for Gen Xers or Boomers, there’s plenty in the show for all ages,” he said.

“In fact we really enjoy having a laugh at ourselves going through the ageing process. “Well you’ve got to really haven’t you?”

Tickets: www.comedyfestival.com.au/ browse-shows/ageing-results-may-vary

ing houses across the state to cut hours, staff, and programs.

“Years of underfunding has pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure.”

Mr Paterson said funding neighbourhood houses was great value for money.

“Our data show that for every $1 of ongoing neighbourhood house funding received from the state government, communities benefit to the tune of $21.94,” he said.

“Wecalculatetheoverallbenefitstothe Victoria community at $922M per year.

“Wearesavingthegovernmentmoney, now it’s time to save our sector and keep our doors open.”

Busy summer leads to repairs

After a heavy schedule of summer events combined with a heatwave and a lack of rain, Footscray Park is getting some much needed maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations on 31 December, Celebrating Epiphany on 18 and 19 January and the Dangerous Goods Festival on 24 January attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Footscray Park in the space of a few weeks, leaving some of its lawns and garden beds looking worse for wear.

As a result, some areas of the park have been closed to allow for recovery, while others are undergoing restoration works.

These include levelling across sections of the Eastern Lawn, liquid fertilising on the Western Lawn, irrigating areas along the perimeter of the temporary fencing surrounding the ponds and mulching garden beds around the toilet block and the trees located north of the pond.

Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra said large heritage parks such as Footscray Park, require ongoing care, and seasonal condition do have an impact.

“Footscray Park matters deeply to our community, and we’re focused on keeping it thriving for the long term,” Cr Semra said, adding that the lawns at the park were already improving.

More than just four walls

For people who are socially isolated, culturally diverse or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, finding a space where they feel safe and welcomed can be a challenge. Courtney Black discovers how neighbourhood houses and other service organisations are working to change that.

When people think of a safe space, they might imagine comfort or security. But for people who are socially isolated, culturally diverse or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, safety can be shaped by far more than just four walls.

A new report by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHV), titled Safe and Welcoming Community Spaces, reveals what matters most to these groups, and what determines whether someone walks through the door of a community space, or turns away.

NHV president Keir Paterson said a key first step in creating a safe space is implementing visible signs of inclusion.

“We looked into what cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) people find welcoming in a space and it can be something really simple like having the word ‘welcome’ in different languages,” he said.

“They walk into a space and they know immediately that this is somewhere that’s accepting of them and their culture.”

The report found that visual signs of inclusion made many cohorts of diverse people feel safe and comfortable when entering a space.

“Some cohorts in the community might be carers, or neurodiverse people, or they might have lived experience of social isolation… it is important they feel welcome,” Mr Keir said.

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) quality coordinator, Anas Qishta said visual inclusion is significant in safe spaces, but it is important that this is not tokenistic.

“There are things organisations can do like a ‘welcome here’ sticker or a pride flag or a trans flag to help people feel welcome,” he said. “It’s even more important that the safety and risk mechanisms behind those are actually in place.”

In the report, participants emphasised that the culture of an organisation was more important in shaping their sense of safety than visual cues.

Mr Qishta said the community services sector was shifting from focusing on safe spaces to creating affirmative ones.

“The general sentiment is that a safe space without affirmation is encouraging neutrality,” he said.

WCC hosts rainbow support groups at local high schools, which he said acts as an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth.

He said when young people see tangible examples of lived experiences they can relate to, it helps them feel seen and connected to staff.

“They know straight away whether or not people are going to be okay with who they are as a person,” he said.

“Perhaps there will be a staff member in the group who is from a multicultural or migrant background and is also queer-

identifying themselves ... that really helps with affirmation.”

He said when direct representation was not possible, it was important that the content shown to students reflected their identities.

“There is power in representation … for example we show them examples of people in media who are gender diverse which really bridges the gap.”

In the report, privacy also emerged as a key concern beyond visual inclusion and affirmation. Mr Qishta said confidentiality is essential in creating safe spaces for diverse young people.

“We create an autonomous, student-led space for young people … our role is to give them the tools to do so safely.”

He said his hope for the future is to see more casual drop-in spaces for youth.

“Our students are lacking … longterm access, it takes a lot of time to build that rapport before all that work is in some

ways lost.

“That’s the first thing that needs to happen, creating those spaces where young people from different groups can actually come in and hang out.”

The report found that there is a desire forcasualdrop-inspacesformorethanjust LGBTQIA+ people but also seniors, CALD and socially isolated people who often cited increased hesitation in participating in formal, structured programs.

Mr Paterson said there is an overall lack of drop-in spaces, and it is difficult to deliver this without further support.

“People told us they’d really like spaces where they can just drop in, have a seat, have a coffee and catch up with someone,”

Mr Paterson said.

“If a neighbourhood house is owned by council, that means working with council to see how [drop-in spaces] could be implemented and whether funding is available.”

Creating an informal environment was important to Thomastown Neighbourhood HousemanagerLizSkitchwhendeveloping her new community hub.

“There are so many barriers to so many other spaces … to go into a coffee shop you might have to buy something … in another space you face discrimination,” Ms Skitch said.

“We allow walk-ins, people don’t even have to book online because bookings can be a barrier,” she said.

Socially isolated groups consistently felt negatively about formal protocols in community spaces, such as reporting to an office or signing in, as it reminded them of institutional settings, the report stated.

The report recommended community spaces create an informal atmosphere instead, with simple visuals like an open front door, couches, colourful artwork or garden beds to encourage people to enter.

Ms Skitch said she creates familiarity and comfortability through consistent programming.

“Our development model is about providing the community with what they want … once we know a program works we keep it.”

She said most programs at TNH run at the same time every week, with some operating for more than five years without schedule changes.

“It’s reassuring for people to know it’s on at the same time every week.”

Ms Skitch said programs would continue even if attendance numbers were low, or if a volunteer was unavailable.

“The worst thing is when people turn up and an activity is not on.

“Ifavolunteerissick,I’llruntheprogram myself … it’s about quality, not quantity.”

Mr Paterson said the report is an important step to making spaces safer, but that there is more work to be done.

“We’re always trying to make sure that each neighbourhood house is responsive to their communities... but as a sector, we need to evolve and we get better at meeting the needs of specific cohorts,” he said.

St Aloysius College: ready to mark 140 years of education

When St Aloysius College was established in 1887, North Melbourne looked very different. Nearly 140 years later, the school continues to evolve while staying true to its foundation as a Mercy Education institution.

Thedecisiontotransitiontoco-education in 2023 marked a significant milestone in the school’s history. Since then, student numbers have grown consistently, bringing fresh energy and expanded opportunities across the curriculum and co-curricular programs.

This growth has enabled St Aloysius to broaden what it can offer students in meaningful ways. Community partnerships with State Sport Centres and the Association of Coeducational Schools sporting competition have strengthened sport offerings, while co-curricular programs continue to flourish across the creative and performing arts, technology and humanities among others. The school’s language program (offering Italian, Japanese, and French) continues to provide international study tours to each country, offering immersive learning experiences where students apply their skills in real-worldcontexts.

The school’s emphasis on student agency means helping young people identify their interests and pursue them with depth. Whether students are drawn to the performing arts, sport, science, or technology,thegrowingschoolcommunity supportsincreasinglydiversepathways.

Infrastructure developments reflect this forward momentum. Later in 2026, a dedicated senior years campus will open, providing VCE students with learning spaces designed for their needs. Looking further ahead, plans for a new technology center are underway, complementing ongoing investment in the arts, health and physicaleducation,andSTEMprograms. Throughout these changes, the school’s Mercy Education values remain central. These values—compassion, courage, hospitality, justice, service and respect— guide how the school community approaches education and shapes its

priorities.

As St Aloysius approaches its 140th anniversary in 2027, the school stands at an interesting juncture. The expansion from a single-sex school to a thriving co-educational community represents both continuity and change, honouring a long history while building capacity to serve North Melbourne’s families into thefuture.

Enrolments are now open for Year 7 2028 and 2029, with applications closing on Friday 14 August for 2028 enrolment. St Aloysius College welcomes enquiries from prospective families and invites them tovisitthecampusforatourorinformation session, with additional information availableatwww.aloysius.vic.edu.au

Meet the Principal

Colleen McCambridge

At St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Spotswood, a strong focus on relationships and explicit learning underpins the work of Principal Colleen McCambridge and her team.

St Margaret Mary’s is a parish school with deep local roots and a strong sense of community, shaped by generations of families who have entrusted the school with their children’s learning. In recent years, the school has experienced steady enrolment growth, reflecting strong student academic progress and the confidence families place in the school’s approach to learning and wellbeing.

With a school community of almost 170 students, staff are able to respond early to learning and wellbeing needs and provide an inclusive and supportive environment. Clear, explicit teaching is complemented by opportunities for creativity and student voice through five specialist learning areas: AUSLAN, STEM, Art, Music and Physical Education. Alongside a strong behaviour curriculum, this has created a safe, predictable and highly engaged learning environment. Colleen says the school’s strength lies in its people, its values, and its commitment to high-quality teaching.

Mary Farah

Mary Farah (BA, M.Ed. Leadership, DipEd, MACEL) serves as Principal of St Aloysius College, guiding the community with clarity and purpose in a dynamic educational landscape.

A respected leader within the Catholic sector, Mary championed one of the most significantmilestonesinStAloysiusCollege’s history: the College’s transition to coeducation in 2023. This historic evolution required thoughtful renewal of curriculum, facilities and culture, ensuring an inclusive community that honours the founding values of the Sisters of Mercy while responding confidentlytocontemporarylearningneeds.

Mary’s educational philosophy centres on creating the conditions in which academic excellence flourishes within a supportive, relational ecosystem. She believes growth

Dr. Napoleon Rodezno

Dr. Napoleon Rodezno joined Caroline Chisholm Catholic College in 2025, bringing over 25 years of educational leadership and a strong commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and faith-driven learning environment.

His experience across Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, has shaped his vision for empowering students and staff to reach their full potential through high-quality education, strong community engagement, and a culture of inclusivity, ensuring every student is supported in their academic and personal growth.

Guided by Catholic values, he is committed to fostering a school culture that nurtures faith, integrity, and service. He values the College’s commitment to holistic education, exemplified by our student WAA Awards, which recognise students’ achievements across academics, community, culture, and sport.

Napoleon arrived in Australia as a refugee at age 15 and has since been a passionate advocate for inclusive education. He holds a Doctor of Education, where his research focused on fostering equitable and engaging learning environments. He is committed to empowering students, staff, and families, ensuring their voices help shape the College’s future. With outstanding facilities at the College, that support student development across the spiritual, social, emotional, academic and physical spheres of learning, he looks forward to leading the College toward continued growth, excellence, and a dynamic learning experience rooted in Catholic values.

Martha Goodridge Kelly

Since joining the school community in 2013 and becoming Principal in 2021, Martha Goodridge Kelly has helped shape a future-focused school that values academic excellence alongside student wellbeing, social skills and student leadership. At Suzanne Cory High School, education extends well beyond the classroom and provides multiple opportunities for students to contribute to their school. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of co-curricular activities, from debating and music to science clubs and drama productions.

The school also boasts a strong sporting program, with house competitions, interschool competitions and fitness programs that promote teamwork and wellbeing. Leadership and community engagement are embedded into everyday experiences through the Student Representative Council, peer mentoring, and social justice initiatives.

This empowers students to develop into wellrounded, engaged young individuals who are confident in their abilities and ready to take their next steps in life beyond the school gates. If you’re looking for a school where your child’s curiosity and motivation are genuinely nurtured, their talents are recognised, their ambitions supported, and they are treated with respect, Suzanne Cory High School offers an environment where they can truly thrive.

Changing young lives

Anglicare Victoria, the state’s largest provider of out-of-home care, has put out an urgent call to locals in the west to become foster carers.

For Braybrook resident and foster carer Kaitlyn Evans, the respite care she provides for two weekends a month fits into her life as a primary school teacher.

“When I realised it was an option to not commit so much of my time it really appealed to me,” she said.

“These kids just want connection and want to know someone’s in their corner and you can really build that strength and trust with them,” she said.

One of the children she cares for is a football fanatic.

“Alotofoureventsrotatearoundsports. SheisamadNorthMelbournefanandI’m a mad Hawthorn supporter,” Ms Evans said.

Theyspendalotoftimetogetherattending matches and watching sports at home.

Ms Evans said she has noticed a huge change over the last four years the girl has been in her care.

“She was really disengaged with school, not wanting to go to school but now she’s doing quite well at school and she’s engaged,” she said.

“It’s really nice to see that sort of mindset change for her. Seeing her really flourish and want to stay in school and have these hopes and dreams for the future.”

Ms Evans also has a strong bond with her other foster child who loves swimming and active play.

BUSINESS PROFILE

For Ms Evans, the most rewarding part of respite foster care is mentoring children facing difficult life circumstances.

“It’s the connection for me and the knowing that I’ve made a difference in these young people’s lives in how they could’ve turned out compared to how they’re turning out,” she said.”

“Ifpeoplehaveroomintheirhomesand room in their hearts it really does change lives and it offers a lot of meaning to what you’re doing.”

For locals interested in learning more, Anglicare Victoria is hosting an online information session on Thursday 19 February from 12.30-1.20pm.

Details: shorturl.at/YmYgd

Active aging: The best exercises for

Aswegracefullyglideintoourgoldenyears, prioritising health and wellbeing becomes more important than ever. While physical activity can sometimes suggests intense workouts or competitive sports, staying activeafter50doesn’thavetofeeldaunting.

In fact, it’s often the simpler, more social activities that deliver the greatest rewards —physically,mentallyandemotionally.

At Rivervue Retirement Village, active ageingispartofeverydaylife,withresidents choosing fun, social ways to move, at their ownpace.

Lawn bowls is a favourite for many. It’s gentle on the joints, easy to learn and offers just enough competition to keep things interesting.Morethananything,it’sasocial game, with friendly banter and shared laughs often stretching well beyond the final bowl. Residents regularly welcome newcomers, making it as much about connectionasitisaboutsport.

“As long as you can have a laugh and roll abowl,you’llfitrightin,”oneresidentsays.

“It’smoreaboutthecompanythangetting itperfect.”

Forthosewhopreferthewater,swimming provides a full-body workout without impact. Whether it’s a few relaxed laps or a steady backstroke, the warm indoor pool offers a calming space to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Many residents enjoy finishing their swim with timeinthespa,turningexerciseintoadaily ritualofrelaxation.

Water aerobics adds an energetic twist, using the resistance of water to build strength and fitness while remaining easy on the body. Our group classes are popular, combining movement with music, conversation and plenty of encouragement fromfamiliarfaces.

“Youdon’tevenrealisehowmuchexercise you’ve done until afterwards,” another residentlaughs.

“Sometimesyou’retoobusychatting.”

Gentler pursuits includeyoga and

$80 million man

An Altona man has become Victoria’s biggest ever lottery winner by taking home the entire $80 million jackpot inThursday’sPowerballdraw.

“Oh my god! Are you joking?!” the retiree cried when officials from The Lott contacted him straight after the drawat8.30pmon12 February.

The man initially didn’t answer his phoneandthankstoitsmessagebank being full, officials couldn’t leave a voicemaileither.

Even after finally getting in touch with the officials, the enormity of the news they delivered meant the man didn’tbelievethem.

It was only after checking his own ticket online that he came around to hisnew(andmuchwealthier)reality.

“If you’ve got good news for me then it couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said. “My family has been through a rough trot lately and this is justthebestnews.”

When asked how he planned to enjoy his multi-million-dollar win, the man shared his plans to getaway andenjoysome‘peaceandquiet’.

“I haven’t been to Italy since I’ve been 10 years old, and I have wanted togobackeversince.”

those aged over 50

tai chi focusing on balance, flexibility and mindfulness. Held in Rivervue’s Community Centre, these sessions offer a chance to slow down, stretch and reset, supporting both physical stability and mentalwellbeing.

Of course, not all exercise needs a class or schedule. Many opt to walk or stroll through the private gardens alongside the Maribyrnong River, it’s part of daily life at Rivervue. These simple routines provide fresh air, movement and moments of quiet enjoyment.

Stayingactiveafter50isn’taboutpushing limits.

It’s about having the freedom, space and support to keep moving — and to keep enjoyinglife,everyday.

See the many ways you can stay active in retirement at the Rivervue Open Day on Wednesday25Februaryfrom11.30am. Join usforlunch,participateinfreetheactivities and see by our residents say “Life begins at Rivervue”.

Call 1300 298 439 to register.

Sacred relics venerated

More than 17,000 people attended Quang Minh Temple in Braybrook last month to pay their respects to sacred relics of the Buddhadatingbackover2500years.

The relics travelled across the country aspartofatwoweektour,stoppingoverin Perth,Sydney,CanberraandMelbourne.

Therelics,keptinFrance,wereapproved tobetouredbytheFrenchgovernmentand the Union Bouddhiste de France after the Braybrooktemplesentaletter.

Quang Minh Temple Abbot Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan said the relics drew great interest.

“It turns out that 10,000 people turn up every day to venerate, to view, to pay their respectstotherelics,”VenerableTansaid.

“And those who admire the Buddha’s teachingalsofindthereissomeconnection withthephysicalrelics.

HEALTHY LIVING

World-class foot and leg care with Dr Paul Dowie

Living with foot, knee, or leg pain can be frustrating — particularly if you’re unsure of who can help or traditional treatments haven’t delivered lasting results. Fortunately, residents from across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have accesstoworld-classlowerlimbcareclose tohome-inWilliamstown

Dr Paul Dowie, one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists, specialisesinthediagnosisandtreatment of lower limb pain, injury, degenerative concerns and children’s growth and development issues. With more than 25 yearsofclinicalexperience,DrDowiehas helpedthousandsofpeopletorelievepain, improvefunctionandrestoremobility.

His expertise has been sought by elite athletes, including multiple world number one tennis players, PGA golfers, Olympic gold medallists, and world record holders. Today, that same level of expertise is available to the wider community through his Foot and Leg Pain Clinics across Melbourne,includingWilliamstown.

Dr Dowie takes a comprehensive, whole-limb approach — assessing lower limb biomechanics, from toes to hips, to uncover the true cause and contributing factors of concerns. His evidence-based treatment plans focus on relieving discomfort, improving function, healing injuries and strengthen joints and tissues to support long-term recovery, without the needformedicationorsurgery.

Dr Paul Dowie is one of Australia’s most experienced musculoskeletal podiatrists.

“Relics are also one of the items that may help some of the good karmic seeds inside us come alive so we come to pay respects.”

Venerable Tan said that while the relics are objects of religious veneration, they also serve as a vital link to cultural heritage, connecting Buddhists to the timeoftheBuddha.

He said the relics also symbolise unity, bringing together Buddhists from diverse culturalandethnicbackgrounds.

“It’s a condition that when we obtain the relics it’s open to all ethnic groups,” VenerableTansaid.

“We feel it’s a sort of unity, and we saw it happen here in Braybrook. We’re able to exchangeandlearnfromeachotheralot.”

“It’sverymuchlikeatreasure,anational treasure.”

Briefs

Lewd act

Police are appealing for public assistance to help identify a man following a lewd act in Altona North last year. The incident took place near the corner of Millers Road and Berkley Crescent 3.45pm-4.15pm on Wednesday 8 October. Investigators believe a man performed the lewd act near a bus stop and in the presence of other people. The man is described as being in his late 20s, with a stocky build, thick dark beard and moustache, tanned skin and wearing a grey hooded jumper with a Neovision motif, grey track pants and red, white and black high top Jordan runners. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Stony Creek

Residents are advised to avoid contact with any brown, soapy water in Stony Creek in Yarraville. Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) received reports of the brown milky, bubbly water into the creek from a stormwater drain at Charlotte Street on Tuesday 10 February. EPA officers arrived to find sediment still discharging from the drain, and while unable to find the source, believe it was likely from a burst water pipe or pipe flushing upstream. The sediment was later seen further downstream near Clare Court.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

He treats common and complex conditions, including heel and arch pain, ankle, shin and knee pain, tendon and soft tissue injuries, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, joint degeneration, and children’s growth-related concerns. Many patients seek his care after struggling to findanswerselsewhere.

If you’re dealing with lower limb pain or mobility issues, call 1300 328 300 to book a consultation and assessment at Foot and LegPainClinics,Williamstown.

Fire sparks tunnel concerns

By Cade Lucas

West Gate Tunnel operator Transurban has insisted it is safe to use, despite an incident last month which the firefighters union said was more evidence of the risk it posed to emergency services personnel.

According to the United Firefighters Union, a battery fire occurred in a maintenance passageway beneath the tunnel’s roadway on 21 January .

Despite smoke from the fire being clearly visible, the union claims it failed to set off the tunnel’s automatic alarm system because the smoke detectors were installed

too far away.

As a result, the UFU said firefighters were not automatically alerted to the fire and were instead informed by tunnel workers calling triple-0, while ventilation fans designed to clear smoke for emergency services personnel also failed to activate.

Upon arrival at the tunnel, the union claims fire crews were met with further delays while golf carts were sourced to transport them more than two kilometres underground to the scene of the fire.

“This incident should be a wake-up call,” UFU delegate and leading firefighter Prashant Waitha said.

House hosts garage sale

While most people buy and sell second-hand goods online these days, the West Footscray Neighbourhood House (WFNH) is giving people the chance to do it the old fashioned way with its annual garage sale on Saturday 21 February.

Held at the neighbourhood house above the West Footscray library on Barkly Street, the garage sale will give inner-west locals the chance to find a bargain while helping keep the WFNH afloat.

“We’re hoping to raise money for the neighbourhood house and our programs that assist the local community like community childcare, the toy library, play group and soul house which is a community lunch program,” WFNH programs officer Terry Nguyen said of what the proceeds from the garage sale would go towards.

Running from 10am to 2pm, it’s hoped the garage sale will raise between $1000 and $2000, with second hand goods, clothing toys, books and shoes among the items on offer, while there will also be face-painting for kids.

Despite being a fundraiser, no large items will be on sale and prices will be kept low so even those struggling to make ends can afford to buy something.

Mr Nguyen said there were still opportunities available for those looking to sell stuff as well.

“We’re still gathering people. We’re doing $20 a table so just get in contact with us.”

To book a stall or to find out more about the garage sale, contact 9687 3345 or enquiries@wfnh.org.au

“If firefighter expertise had been properly consulted during design and commissioning of this tunnel, these issues would have been identified before an incident occurred.

“The reality is that if this fire had escalated, workers could have been overcome by smoke long before firefighters were able to physically reach them.”

The UFU has been warning about safety issues and a lack of testing and emergency services training in the tunnel since before it opened in December last year and Mr Waitha said the latest incident underscored their concerns.

“Underground tunnel incidents demand

properly designed systems, clear procedures and the right equipment. What we saw on the day was confusion, delay and unacceptable risk.”

However, a Transurban spokesperson said the 21 January incident was due to a minor technical fault and presented no risk to motorists of or tunnel operations.

“The West Gate Tunnel is safe,” the spokesperson said.

“Our 24-7 monitoring systems and trained personnel ensured this minor technical issue was identified early and managed safely, with the tunnels remaining operational at all times.”

Cruise North America

By Lee Mccarthy

Take in historic cities and rugged shores with Viking’s 15-day Canada and East Coast Explorer voyage from Toronto, Ontario to Fort Lauderdale, Florida or vice versa.

Fifteen days, seven guided tours, two countries and countless meals and experiencesensurethisistheperfectonce inalifetimecruise.

Start the cruise in Toronto savouring the diversity of Toronto’s food scene and exploresomeofthecity’streasures.

On day two, guests can experience the series of locks, canals and channels that comprisetheSt.LawrenceSeaway.

Day three, those who wish to can be immersed in the religious heritage of Trois-Rivieres during a trip to a historic shrinetotheVirginMary.

Guests can explore the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield during an exhilarating Zodiac ride or take to the water in a kayak and explore the surrounding with a member of the Viking ExpeditionTeam.

For the culinary lovers enjoy a selection oflocalfavouritesasyouexplorethecity’s culinary roots during a walk around Trois-Rivières.

Travellers will step back in time to explore the intriguing history of Quebec City during an excursion through its old town or explore the contrasting landscapes that form the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area during a hiking excursion.

Experience the world’s largest naval base in Norfolk, travel Nova Scotia’s shores and rugged landscapes and visit Quebec’sNationalParks.

Viking’s inclusive value includes everything you need, such as a guided excursionineveryport,allonboardmeals including alternative dining venues, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour specialty tea, coffee, and bottled water, access to the state-of-the-art Nordic spa, self-service laundry,andalltipping.Withnochildren, no casinos, fewer than 1,000 guests, and all veranda staterooms, Viking’s award-winning ships take you as close as possibletoeachdestination.

Guests can go underground in Cape Breton and get a glimpse of what life was like digging coal at the Cape Breton MinersMuseum.

One treat guaranteed to please is a visit

toPeggy’sCovetoenjoyadeliciouslobster lunch in the picture-perfect postcard seaside village or discover distinctly Nova Scotian wines during a visit to Petit Rivière Vineyards in the Lahave River Valley or sample a selection of local beer in Nova Scotia’s picturesque South Shore district.

Enjoy Charleston’s southern charm and colonial homes and embark on a guided exploration by motor coach or experience the natural beauty of the low country duringavisittooneoftheonlyteamfarms intheUnitedStates.

LearnhowtopreparetypicalCharleston dishes during an interactive cooking demonstration and explore the streets of Charleston during a walking tour as guests are invited to step inside one of the city’shistorichomes.

The cruise arrives in Ft. Lauderdale Florida, with many guests taking advantage of the Post Cruise Extension to enjoy additional days exploring. A two-night extension in Ft Lauderdale costs from $1499 and is a stunning end to atrulystunningfifteendays.

While sailing, guests can attend lectures, watch a film in the eight

thousand laser-projected panoramic screen in The Aula or focus on wining and dining, whatever the choice, Viking offers an unbeatable holiday in understated elegance.

Right now, the cruise is priced from $12,295 per person for a Nordic Balcony saving up to $2500 per booking with Viking’s“Flyfree,flightupgradecredit”. Bookbefore31March2026.

7 Nights

Island Tour

Dec 2026 - Mar 2027

unforgettable holiday

Iconic Experiences, Expertly Escorted

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park

Full-Board River Elegance

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hand-Picked Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

12 DAYS • 1 COUNTRY 11 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAY, AUG-DEC 2026; JAN-JUN, AUG-DEC 2027; 2028

Step into the land of pharaohs and timeless wonders. Viking invites you to experience Egypt like never before. Sail the legendary Nile on a 12-day cruisetour through Egypt and enjoy an included shore excursion to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum — the world’s largest archaeological museum and home to Tutankhamun’s treasures. Witness history in the making while indulging in the comfort and elegance of Viking’s award-winning river ships.

From $11,395pp in Standard Stateroom

From $13,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

Models want your company

Iconic Melbourne band and ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, Models bring their post-punk -new wave vibes to Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville on Friday 20 February.

When they formed in the late 1970’s, Models were hailed as one of the most innovative and imaginative Australian bands and were often spoken of in the same breath as the Birthday Party, The SportsandINXS.

Four decades later, and while plenty about the band and their contemporaries has changed, their approach to making musichasn’t.

Models have always done things their ownway.

AstheauthorsofThe100BestAustralian Albums (which featured Models’ The Pleasure Of Your Company) stated “Melbourne electronic outfit Models followed a distinctly perverse and disjointedcoursefromtheoutset“.

The long and winding course will see themstopbytheinnerwestnextweekend, not far from where founding bass player, Mark Ferrie, and current drummer, Ash Davies,live.

Sean Kelly and Andrew Duffield round out Models current line-up and will be

joining Davies and Ferrie for the special one-offshowwhichkicksoffat7.30pm.

Despite more than 40 years together, punters attending the show shouldn’t expectanostalgiaact.

Models have had long periods in hibernation,buthaveneverbrokenupand have continued to record and release new material.

Andrew Duffield said even their earlier songsstillsoundedfresh.

“Wedon’tthinkofthemasbeingold,”he said.

Modelsnevergooutofstyle.

Details:https://shorturl.at/DAa9f

New chapter for Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival

Loversofliteraturerejoice!

The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is returning next month for its biggesteventtodate.

Thirty-four events will run over six days, from 12-17 March, featuring artists, cooks, gardeners, film makers, songwriters, book authorsandadatingexpert.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said theprogramoffersadiversityofstoriesand perspectivesthatreflectthecommunity.

“For 21 years, the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival has played an important roleencouragingwritingtalentinBrimbank and Melbourne’s western region. And to celebrate we are presenting the biggest festival to date with a huge line-up of creativetalent,”CrTachossaid.

The festival’s opening night will spotlight author Nam Le, winner of the Dylan

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thomas Prize and the Prime Minister’s LiteraryAwardforfictionandauthorof‘The Boat’and‘36WaysofWritingaVietnamese Poem’.

Le will share stories about cultural heritage,family,andcollectiveidentity.

Author Andy Griffiths, who has sold more than 19 million books in over 35 countries and is renowned for his cheeky and irreverent humour, is also part of the lineup.

Other festival highlights include Alita Brydon (‘Bad Dates of Melbourne’), comedianNellyThomas(‘TheSingleLifeof Us’), authors Darryl Jones and Dave Witty, artists Callum Morton and Jen Berean, filmmakers Adrian Ortega, Kalu Oji, Kaede Miyamura and Goran Stolevski, and media professionals professor Andrea Carson, author and journalist Margaret Simons

and ABC radio journalist Luke Siddham Dundon.

OtherauthorsincludeDeborahOng,Kate Mildenhall, Santilla Chingaipe, Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir, Andrea Rowe, Marguerita Stephens, Andrea Carson, Jen Berean, DarcyGreen,ThomasVowles,JaxBulstrode andmanymore.

The festival also offers a range of workshops for participants looking for help tosharetheirownstories.

Topics include, how to write picture books, self-publishing, reliable writing practice, writing for reels, and healing throughpoetry,amongothers.

FundedbyBrimbankcouncilandVictoria University, all events and activities are free toattend.

Details: brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ BWRF

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Hobsons Bay Community Fund

The Hobsons Bay Community Fund is seeking new volunteer committee members to help support local community initiatives. It currently has opportunities available for treasurer and social media roles.

 Craig Eyes, 0408 055 125 or @hbcommunityfund.org.au

Cards and conversation

Do you like cards and games? Whether its Canasta, 500 or board games, come and join us weekly at Altona North Library. All levels welcome. Tuesdays from 10am-12pm. Free of charge, morning tea provided and no bookings required. Altona North Library Corner of Millers and McArthurs Road, Altona North.

 1300 179 944

Westgate diabetes support group

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am.

 Elaine, 0415 030 996

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club

The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.

 Helen, 0474 498 052, or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com

Social square dancing

Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group

but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.

 Janine, 0421 371 883, or contact@essendonsquares.com

Williamstown seniors

The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.

 Marlene, 0402 769 204

Altona North Combined Probus

The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.

 Lesley, 0414 481 442

Walking group

The Mighty West Heart Foundation Community Walking Group meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am. Walk at your own pace for up to 60 minutes.

Discover the many health benefits (physical and psychological) of walking together. All welcome.

 0411 566 862

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along.

 https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail.com or 1300 222 222

Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Rehearsals are held on Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon at Braybrook College.

 westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Fiddle group

The Newport Folk and Fiddle Beginner Play Along Group is a great place for beginners or those with some experience, to play music in a safe, casual and welcoming environment. Come on down, have some fun, make new friends, have a cuppa and maybe even learn something new. All instruments and levels of expertise are welcomed where the main aim is to enjoy music and have fun. Children are also most welcome. The third Saturday of the month, from 6.30- 8.30pm, at 2nd Newport Scouts, 6 Market Street, Newport.

 https://www.nffc.org.au/ beginner-playalong

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west.

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In TheWaterboy, what is the nickname of the team Adam Sandler’s character eventually plays for?

2. Who is Australia’s Chef de Mission at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

3. Quentin Peterson last

4. Which Ipswich-born Australian sprinter recently announced he will not be competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

5. Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas will play

The national netball team of which country is known as the Sunshine Girls?

Los Angeles Laker Jaxson Hayes recently served a one-game suspension

Australian golfer Elvis Smylie recently won the 2026 edition of which LIV

Which two teams took part in the 2026 AFL Origin

Who will Australia face in the opening game of the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

11. In curling, what is the object thrown known as?

12. And what are they made of?

13. Who created the martial art Jeet Kune Do (JKD)?

14. To the nearest million, what is the 2026 AFL salary cap?

15. Which NBA player is nicknamed ‘The Beard’?

16. Which sport league is abbreviated as NPB?

17. Which team won Super Bowl LX (2026)?

18. And in that game, who became the second Australian to play in a Super Bowl?

19. Which running back was awarded the MVP of Super Bowl LX?

20. Which politician was booed during the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony?

21. What is the last name of English cricketing brothers Tom and Sam?

22. Which 2026 reality TV show pits Australian athletes from different sporting codes against each other?

23. How many players are there in a handball team?

24. Which two countries participated in the Olympic ice hockey game known as the ‘Miracle on Ice’?

25. And in which year was that Olympics held?

26. Alongside Josh Giddey, which other Australian basketballer will earn $38 million in 2026?

27. In snooker, what colour is the ball that is worth five points?

28. Which MLS team shares its name with a firstresponder NBC show?

29. True or false: ultimate frisbee is a contact sport?

30. Mark Evans is currently the CEO of which AFL club?

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

1 Supplicates (5)

4 Provider of information (9)

9 Belittle (5)

10 Middle Age armour (5,4)

11 For blinking (6)

12 Formal request signed by many people (8)

14 Choice (10)

15 Exclamation of surprise (3)

17 Tentacle (3)

19 Public estimation (10)

23 Slow (8)

24 Skilfully produces (6)

26 Purifying (9) 27 Greenish (5)

28 Game birds (9) 29 Frozen shower (5)

1 Heavenly body (6)

2 Non-professional (7)

3 Local law enforcer (7)

4 Measure of length (imp) (4) 5 Brotherhood (10) 6 Length of a film (7) 7 Miraculous (7)

8 Masterful (8)

13 Relative dimensions or size (10)

16 Disability (8)

18 People of Malta (7)

19 Viewing figures (7)

20 Fears (7)

21 Disconnected (7)

22 Appearance (6)

25 Ova (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 What is a cowslip?

2 Is Quito, the capital of Ecuador, in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere?

3 Actor Kristen Stewart (pictured) stars in a 2016 music video for which rock band?

4 What unit of measurement is used to measure the height of a horse?

5 A Robin Hood statue is located in which city in England?

7 What is the only type of penguin found above the equator?

8 What pen-name did writer Eric Blair go by? 9 A hard-boiled egg wrapped in

meat and coated in breadcrumbs is known as a what? 10 The first episode of Doctor Who aired in which decade?

Further bonus for Ioniq 5

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Ioniq 5 burst onto the local electric vehicle scene more than three years ago likethegreyhoundfavouriteoutofatrapat theDaptoDogs.

The Dapto dishlickers have since gone to thedogs,withthetrackwindingup,butthe Hyundai-built Ioniq 5 crossover SUV has continued to live a storied life, which has included being named the 2022 World Car oftheYear.

Now the MY25 Ioniq 5 five-seat SUV locally has won styling updates, new features and technology, and two new battery sizes delivering up to 570km of range. Three model grades are on offer, with the choice of Standard (440km) and Extended (up to 570km) range of powertrains, plus optional N Line and DigitalMirrorPacks.

ThebaseBEV,with63kWhbattery,comes tomarketat$69,800,pluson-roadcosts.

With an 84kWh battery from the Ioniq 5 N,thepricegoesupto$75,800.ADynamiq, withthelatterbattery,sellsfor$80,800and anEpiqtopsoffthelotat$84,300.

The N Line Pack adds exclusive styling and unique 20-inch alloy wheels, while Epiq gains LED projection headlights with anintelligentfrontlightingsystem.

All Ioniq 5 models are covered by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited kilometre vehiclewarrantyandeight-year,160,000km high-voltagebatterycover.

Styling

Already a leader in the design of electric vehicles, Hyundai stylists were cluey enough to lay a light hand on the iconic Ioniq5. The new look is highlighted by a revised front bumper, skid plate and ‘hidden’ lighting,plusflataluminiumbadging. New 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels

reshape the car’s unique profile, while at the rear, a revised bumper, spoiler and the addition of a windscreen wiper, and one of 10exteriorcolours,completethelook.

Interior

A nod to the past is a reworked centre console with simpler seat heating and ventilation controls via buttons. Also given a lift are seat pattern, steering wheel, instrument cluster bezel and multimedia screen.

Lookingintothefuture,theMY25Ioniq’s cabin introduces the latest iteration of Hyundai’sConnectedCarNext-Generation Cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over-The-Air updates.

The entry-level Ioniq 5 now has single-tone black wool and eco-processed leather upholstery in place of the previous two-tone cloth. An eco-processed black leather is now standard on Dynamiq and Epiqinteriors.

Cargo storage ranges from 527 to 1587 litres; 57 litres up front in the rear-wheel drive and 24 litres the all-wheel drive. There’s a centrally located large bin and cupholders, plus a wireless smartphone charger.

Rear-seat legroom is limited by the battery pack lodged under the body. Headroomisjusttheopposite.

Infotainment

The latest Ioniq 5 features the award-winning Connected Car Next-Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in an all-in-one interface inspired by the interfaceoftheubiquitoussmartphone.

The all-new 12.3-inch multimedia system features a CPU with four times more computing power and 15 times

more graphical processing power than the previoussystem.

Added to this is a high-definition 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster displaying sat nav directions, visual SmartSense safety alerts, plus speedo, tacho, fuel and temperature info in digital formorclassicneedle-typegauges.

Bluelink Connected Car Services and Over-The-Air software updates are available across the range, the former free forthefirstfiveyearsofownership.

Engines/transmissions

The MY25 Ioniq 5 2WD comes with a 63kWh battery in Standard Range and is upped to a 84kWh battery in Extended Range, with a lithium-ion permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and single-speed automatic transmission

putting out 125kW of power and 350Nm of torquetotherearwheels.

Safety

Seven airbags, including front centre, side are the prelude to top safety, which also includesforwardcollision-avoidanceassist 2, forward with oncoming vehicle, evasive steering assist, smart cruise control and laneassist.

Intelligent front lining automatically dips the beam in the face of oncoming traffictoavoiddazzlingdrivers.

Driving

As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of flush door handles, which are not the easiest to operate with one hand. That said, I cannot fault the smooth, quiet powertrain operation and general lack of intrusive cabinturbulence.

As well as battery boosts extended the Ioniq5operation,theMY25modelhas undergone improvements to ride and handling through increased chassis rigidityandrevisedsuspensiontuning.

Chassis changes include upgraded body reinforcements in the B and C pillar door surroundsandanunderbodycrossbar.The increased body stiffness has led to positive impacts.

These include improved steering response and feedback, reduced vibration throughthesteeringwheel,enhancedbody control and stability, plus improved noise, vibrationandharshnesssuppression.

Summary

“With greater range and an array of safety and technological upgrades, the refreshed 2025 iteration of our award-winning Ioniq 5 gives EV buyers an even more persuasive SUV package,” says Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive Ted Lee.Mythoughtstoo.

Sport around the grounds

Bulldogs through to granny

By Tara Murray

The dream of back-to-back Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division championships remains alive for Yarraville Footscray.

The Bulldogs got through two tough finals on the weekend against Altona and Deer Park to win through to the final game of the season against Moonee Valley.

Bulldogs’WayneRobertssaidtheywere pretty happy to be back in the grand final.

“It’s been a long hard slog to get there,” he said

“We had Altona on Saturday and that was a close game there and we were able to get over the line.

“Yesterday [Sunday] it was hard fought

againstDeerParkwhichweexpectedfrom them.

“We were able to get over the line.”

On Saturday, the Bulldogs beat Altona 84 (16)-66 (2).

Justsixshotsseparatedthreeoftherinks with Craig Mills’ rink win, 27-12 against Dane McKinnon, gave the Bulldogs some breathing room.

Jay Bye-Norris’ rink had a 21-15 win against Nathan Wilson’s rink, while Brett Mahoney’s rink beat Matthew Ellul’s 2018.

AaronWilson’srinkwasthesolewinner for Altona, winning 21-16 against Nathan Black.

On Sunday, it was the Bulldogs that got off to a flier against Deer Park.

They led early before Deer Park fought back in the middle ends and at one stage led by 11 shots.

“We started well but they picked up the pace,” Roberts said.

“The last 10 games were big games and they went our way.

“NathanBlack’srinkpickedupsixshots on its last end and Jay Bye-Norris’ rink picked up five shots on its last end.

“It steadied the ship and we were able to play it safe the last few ends.”

The Bulldogs won, 80 (16)-63 (2) with thegamecalledoffwithoneendrenaming.

Craig Mills’ rink won 18-12, Nathan Black’s won 22-19 and Bye-Norris’ rink won 27-11.

Robertssaidthisseasonhadn’tbeenthe

Point Cook teen makes Victorian debut

By Tara Murray

At just 16, Point Cook’s Ira Aery is doing battle with some of the best cricketers in Australia.

The teenager’s game has gone from strength to strength the past 12 months, so much that she was recently picked for her Victorian senior debut in the Women’s National Cricket League.

Aery played in two games for Victoria in the space of three days against South Australia.

“I got a call on Saturday afternoon,” shesaid.“OneoftheCricketVictoriastaff members called me up, you’re probably going to travel with us

“I wasn’t told that I was going to debut until the day before. It was quite exciting, I was a bit nervous but it was all part of the journey.

“I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far and really grateful that I got an opportunity at such a young age.”

Aery said it was really encouraging to see so many people backing in her talent to give her the opportunities.

In game one she bowled two overs, while making six with the bat.

In game two, she played three overs and didn’t bat.

Aery said playing with the likes of Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and new Australian captain Sophie Molineux was pretty cool.

“In the first game it was just about getting out there, bowl the first ball and hit thefirstballandgetonthefield,”shesaid.

“It does make me think I’m doing something right if I’m playing alongside them, really grateful to have them.

“They were all really sweet and all really helped me and backed my talent and helped me back myself to do what I’ve been doing my entire life.”

The chance to play for Victoria comes aftersherepresentedAustralia’sunder-19 team last year.

Later last year, she represented Victoria at the under-19 national championships.

She finished the leading wicket taker with 17 wickets and averaged 60 with the bat. Aery was named in the team of the tournament for a third time.

“It has been quite unreal looking over the past 12 months,” Aery reflected.

“I’ve been lucky to travel to so many

easiest, but they had got there in the end.

He said the addition of four new players meant it had taken time for the group to settle and find their feet.

“We never give up and we fight to the end,” he said. “We’ve been behind a number of times this year and fought back.

“We started off slowly and lost our first two games and at one stage three games in a row.

“People were saying that we would be thefirstteamevertoberelegatedafterwinning a premiership.

“We were written off early.”

The Bulldogs will face Moonee Valley in Sunday’sgrandfinalat4pminDandenong.

Roberts said that Moonee Valley would go in as favourites.

Sports’ finals joy

After a number of tough seasons, Altona Sports is excited for a big finals series in the Bowls Victoria pennant competitions.

Having had its top side drop from division 1 to division 4 in recent seasons, Altona Sports has set about rebuilding its program.

Vice-president Alan Barham said the club was celebrating one of its most successful seasons in recent history with four of its four pennant sides finishing top two and qualifying for finals.

The side has four weekend pennant sides and one mid-week side.

“Tobehonestwehadbeenstrugglin the last couple of years,” he said.

“We’ve been able to recruit some new members and we’ve had a couple come back after a couple of years away.

“We’ve got some new members who have joined us and have been really good.

“They’ve put a lot of practice in and a couple are playing in our top side with only 12 months of bowling.”

Barham said it had been really encouraging to see members joint theirsocialbowlsprogramandthen want to become part of the pennant teams.

places and gained a lot of valuable experience along the way.

“Cricket is a game that you’re constantly learning and improving and I know there’s still so much more for me to work on.

“I’m really grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.”

Aery started playing cricket in the backyard with her siblings and cousins and fell in love with the sport.

She has played with Point Cook Centrals and Werribee and currently plays with Druids in the under-17s on Saturdays and with Essendon Maribyrnong Park in Victorian Premier Cricket.

She said socialising with her friends was one of the main things she loved and said the game helps calm her down.

Aerysaiditdependsonthedaywhether she prefers batting or bowling and that she loves them equally.

She’s hoping to finish off the cricket season strongly.

“There’s a couple of WNCL games left, hopefully I’ll get the chance to be out there with the girls.

“I’m backing myself and to finish the season off strong.”

He said they also had a successful junior program with eight players under-18 playing in their pennant teams.

The club’s top weekend side plays in division 4, section 1. It finished second on the ladder behind Point Cook. The two teams that make the grand final will earn promotion.

Barham, who has been at the club the past few seasons when they’ve dropped down hope they can start going the other way.

“To get promoted into division 3 would be really good,” he said.

“Hopefully it might encourage a fewplayerstocomebackorjoinus.”

The winner of the Point Cook and Altona Sports semi final will win through to the grand final.

The loser will play in Sunday’s preliminaryfinalagainstthewinner of Altona 4 and Yarraville Footscray 4.

City up for the challenge

By Tara Murray

Altona City is hoping for a smoother Victorian Premier League 2 season than the pre-season it’s had so far.

Injuries have interrupted the preparation of the side under new coach Chris Greechan ahead of the season kicking off this weekend.

Greechan said they had their eye on the bigger picture.

“It’s been a busy period,” he said.

“It has been a bit of a disjointed pre-season with some key injuries to key signings.

“We’re already on the book foot with four or five of our starters sitting out the start of the season with freak of nature injuries.

“We’re going to have to rely on depth and we have a lot of good young players coming through.

“It’s a great opportunity for them and they might retain their spots. It’s not all doom and gloom.”

Having coached and played against Altona City, Greechan isn’t a complete stranger to the club.

He said the club had a good name in the community for many years.

Greechan said after a year out of coaching he was keen to get back into it.

“It’s a friendly atmosphere and one really good thing about the club is they have ambition,” he said.

“The board is really pushing to be successful and push into the next division.

“That’s been validated since our initial

conversations.”

Altona City finished fourth last season and played finals.

Greechan said the fact that the side was in the mix last season was a big reason that he was attracted to the club.

While last season the group had some positive results, it will be a new look group this year.

“Only about half a dozen players from last season have returned,” he said.

“We would have looked to re-sign a few more, but they moved on for individual reasons.

“That’s the nature of the NPL [National Premier League]-VPL.”

Greechan said they had targeted players who would suit the style of game he wanted to play.

Matthew Turcinovich. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 534371_03

‘Excellent’ win gives A’s breathing space

By Tara Murray

Altona got an important win in the context of its season and the finals race in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west.

The A’s were in action against Hoppers Crossing, another side keen to lock in a finals spot.

After a poor start to both days, the A’s were able to come away with an important six points.

“It was an excellent win, we are very excited,” coach Liam Keating said.

“Hoppers Crossing is really good at their home ground and made it a fortress, we knew it would be a competitive, tough game.”

The A’s decided to bat on Saturday and early on it looked to be the wrong decision.

They were in trouble at 5-15.

“Adam Yates and Matt Turcinovich then put on 130 to push us to a real competitive total,” Keating said

“The experience of Adam to bat with Matt, who won our batting average last year.

“He was scoring freely and allowed Matt

to take him time.”

Altona was bowled out for 221 late on day one of the match.

Turcinovich made 110 off 199 balls to be there until late in the day.

It was a special innings for Turcinovich, whose grandmother died in the week in the lead up to the game.

Yates finished with 64.

The A’s also got off to a slow start on Sunday.

The Cats were cruising at 0-51.

“The first half of both Saturday and Sunday was not great for us,” Keating said

“Hoppers scored really quickly and were 1-110 and looked promising.”

Keating said captain James Grubb put into place some really good bowling changes and things started to turn their way.

Daniel Mackenzie got 3-4 off five overs in that time.

The A’s were able to bowl the Cats out for 162.

Callum Hands finished with 5-32 off 10 overs.

With two rounds remaining, the A’s sit in third spot and are now 16 points of Taylors

Among the signings is Tom Biss from Werribee City with Greechan saying he is one of the best players in the competition. He said Jordan Lam was an excellent player at this level and Curtis Bateson was an attacking winger

Captain Andelo Svalina is returning in a big boost for Altona City and Rory Curran is another key signing.

Altona City kicked off its season against Moreland City on Saturday with a 2-2 draw.

Gresham said they had to be ready from the first game.

“We’ve tried to ramp it up from day dot,” he said.

“You want to win every game not much room for error no goi in win those games

“We’re excited for the season.”

VFL, VFLW fixtures revealed for 2026

Fixtures for the Victorian Football League and VFLW seasons have been released.

A full schedule has been released for the first 13 rounds of the VFL season and the first six of the VFLW season.

Match ups for all remaining rounds have also been announced with dates and times confirmed once the rest of the AFL fixture is confirmed.

The VFL season will commence on 20 March, while the VFLW competition will be played in a new season window, with the opening round locked in for 16 May.

The opening round of the VFL fixture had previously been released.

Werribee will travel to face the Gold Coast Suns, Williamstown will play Frankston and the Footscray Bulldogs will start their title defence against the Casey Demons.

Werribee and Williamstown will again play each other on Anzac Day, this time underlights.

The updated VFLW season window will see the final three rounds of the home and away season crossover with the opening three rounds of the AFLW competition.

Lakes in seventh.

Keating said performances like the weekend would only help the group even more.

“For the club to be in games like those, there’s a lot of belief,” he said.

“We’ve played a lot of cricket together.

“It’s so tight and we could have finished the round anywhere from first to sixth.

“This gives us some breathing space.”

The A’s face Donvale in the next match, the last of the two-dayers.

Keating said the bottom team had nothing to lose and they had to remain switched on.

In other matches, Spotswood had a big win against Taylors Lakes.

The Woodsmen made 8-285 from their overs before bowling the Lions out for 192.

The Woodsmen sit fourth on the ladder.

Williamstown overcame a late collapse to beat Melton.

Chasing 141, the Seagulls snuck home to finish 8-143.

Yarraville suffered a big loss to Werribee.

Chasing 308 the Eagles were bowled out for 152 in reply.

North Melbourne Werribee will face Port Melbourne in the opening round, while Williamstown is on the road to Geelong and the Western Bulldogs have a bye in round one.

Tasmania will compete in both the VFL and VFLW competitions in 2026 as the club continues preparations for entry into the AFL and AFLW.

St Kilda returns to the VFL as its own entity for the first time since 2000 after its VFL alignment with Sandringham ceased at the end of the 2025 season.

The Zebras and Saints will continue their alliance in the VFLW, where they will remain competing as Sandringham.

Both the VFL and VFLW grand finals will be played on the weekend of 19 September.

The men’s competition will remain a top six and a wildcard round forseventh through to 10th and the VFL will remain a six.

There are 17 VFL and VFLW double headers across the opening six rounds of the VFLW season.

Congs are on the improve

By Tara Murray

Williamstown Congs were after improvement this season and have shown exactly that in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield.

After struggling for numbers last season and with it wins, the Congs are still in finals contention with two rounds remaining in the season.

Congs captain-coach Josh Lanciana said it had been really pleasing to see what the group had been able to do.

“It’s really good to see the all round improvement,” he said. “It’s good for us.

“At the start of the year we looked to take small steps. We’ve been in a rebuild the last couple of years.

“We saw some really positive results coming into Christmas and after Christmas and leaves us in a position to possibly play finals.”

Lanciana said they still had plenty of work to do.

He said this year they wanted to be a competitive side and the group they have coming through had plenty of talent.

“We’ve been very close to beating a couple of the top sides,” he said.

“We haven’t quite been able to hit the nail on the head.

“We’ve identified those things that we have to still improve on.”

In their last completed match, the Congs beat Moonee Ponds.

Lanciana said they knew that it

wouldn’t be a straight forward win despite the opposition not having their best team on the park.

Moonee Ponds made 158 as it was bowled out in the 74th over.

Rinku Singh took 4-35 for the Congs.

The Congs finished 7-159 in reply.

Brandon Mifsud top scored with 42.

The Congs sit fifth on the ladder, seven points outside the top four with two rounds remaining.

The Congs face Wyndham Vale and Jacana in the run home and will go into both games as favourites.

Lanciana said they were aware that anything could happen.

“Wyndham Vale has been a bit rocky,”he said. “We’ve played them once

Altona North pulls off a crucial victory

By Tara Murray

Altona North took a step to securing its future in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

The side, in its first season back in the top flight, beat Aberfeldie in a bottom of the table clash to move above Abers on the ladder with two rounds remaining.

Captain Nathan Patrick said it would have been close to season over if they had lost to Abers.

“Obviously it was really important,” he said.

“As a group we’ve worked really hard to come up and try and make our way through the comp.

“We’ve had some hard moments, but a lot of learnings and that culminated in that win on the weekend.

“It would have ended our season had we not won on the weekend.”

Altona North has added reinforcements in the second part of the season, with some international recruits.

Patrick said bringing in some new guys had helped lift the group.

“Any type of experience helps,” he said. “Coming up a division, a lot of us have not played at this level.

‘This type of experience and skill set takes off the pressure of some of the other guys.

“We just continue to do what we can do.”

Patrick said it was nice to still be in the fight to stay up and hoped that results would go their way the next few weeks.

On the weekend, Altona North made 170 as it was bowled out in the 53rd over.

Ben Allison top scored with 58.

Patrick said it was a trying wicket and they weren’t sure whether it was a good score until Abers batted.

“It flattened out a little bit,” he said. “We did really well to grind out as many runs as we did.

“Ben Allison was able to stabilise the innings.”

Altona North started well with the ball and had Abers in trouble 5-58.

Patrick said James Taylor bowled an unbelievable spell on Saturday afternoon and they were able to ride the momentum all the way through.

before and they looked pretty solid.

‘We won a one-day game against them and that doesn’t mean anything.

“Jacana will be a tough game.

“A lot can happen. We’ll control what we can control and focus on what is ahead of us.

“Do our best to put us in a position to finish in the top four.”

The Congs find themselves in a strong position after day one with Jacana.

The Jaguars finished 9-153 in 57 overs.

Praveen Munigala took 3-28.

The Congs will resume at 3-95 with Umesh Gowda on 26 not out and Lanciana on 17 not out.

Inothermatches,StAndrew’sFootscray is 3-67 in reply to Melton Centrals’ 119.

VFLW

Williamstown has announced the signing of Mia Zielinski for the Victorian Football League women’s season. A developing key forward, Zielinski joins the Seagulls after a strong stint with the Box Hill Hawks, playing 10 VFLW matches in 2025 (including three finals) and kicking eight goals across the season. She also impressed at community level, booting 27 goals in eight games during 2025 and earning six best player awards.

WFL

Spotswood has signed Lachie Devine for the Western Football League division 1 season. Devine joins the club from Murchison-Toolamba where he was one of the best in their two-point premiership win last year. Before that, Devine spent a lot of time playing senior footy for Mooroopna, including a stint at the Murray Bushrangers. He joins Sam Leith and Jackson Williams as new signings for the Woodsmen.

VFL

Abers was bowled out for 150.

Taylor finished 6-29 off 17.5 overs.

Altona North finishes the season with clashes with Yarraville Club and Westmeadows.

After day one of its clash with the Clubbers, Altona North has work to do.

Altona North made 248 before it was bowled out in the 67th over.

AndrewAuciellotopscoredwith59while Matthew Doric took 4-72 for the Clubbers.

The Clubbers will resume at 1-65.

“Yarraville Club was the first game of the year and was a one-dayer,” Patrick said.

“We’re looking forward to a challenging game against a good side.

“We’ve got a little more experience and anything can happen.

“Westmeadows is opportunity for both sides to finish the season with a win.”

Meanwhile in the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Altona Roosters have already conceded first innings points against Doutta Stars, Haig Fawkner is 3-12 in reply to Druids’ 233, Footscray United is 1-45 in reply to Sunshine United’s 194 and Seddon is chasing Oak Park St Francis de Sales’ 9-389.

Two former Western Jets are among new signings for the Footscray Bulldogs’ Victorian Football League squad. Kane Sexton and Kobe Williams, who came through juniors at Newport Power, and Kobe Williams, who was a next generation academy member with the Bulldogs, were announced the new signings along with former AFL player Jack Billings. Premiership captain Dan Orgill leads a group of 13 returning Bulldogs, including the 2025 best and fairest Billy Crofts, Norm Goss medallist Cooper Craig-Peters and fellow flag-winners Will Lewis and Fred Valpied.

WFL

Braybrook has announced its first new signing for the Western Football League division 2 season. Joshua Cassar will play for the Brookers in 2026. “Cassar, 22, stands at 193cm and is a genuine utility who can impact the game at either end of the ground, while also providing valuable support in the ruck,” the Brookers said. “We look forward to seeing him make his mark this season.” Cassar joints the club from the Western Rams

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